Arthropoda
Mithrax hispidus
(Coral Crab)
1. Out of water (Pam Heckel)
2. Out of water (Pam Heckel)
3. Out of water (Pam Heckel)
4. Out of water (Pam Heckel)
5. Out of water - Picture illustrates purple fingers on chelipeds (Pam Heckel)
Size
Carapace Length: to 3.2cm (1.25") Carapace Width: to 4.4cm (1.75")
Recognition Characters
Carapace is swollen and considerably wider than long. Rostral horns are short, separated by U-shaped notch. 4 large teeth on anterolateral sides of carapace. Large claws compared to carapace size.
Color
Nearly uniform deep brownish-red or terra cotta above. Underparts of body are mostly white or bluish white. Tips of claws are bright purple.
Habitat & Depth
Commonly associated with rocky bottoms. Inside corals and large branching bryozoans. Shallow water to 64m depth.
Distribution at GRNMS
Abundant. Found inside or under sponges, tunicates, bryozoans. Commonly clings to Schizoporella floridana.
Geographic Range
North to Delaware Bay, South to Sao Paulo Brazil, Northwestern Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda
Behavior & Notes
Synonyms
Williams 1984